The Benefits of Pet Ownership for the Elderly Animals can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase social interaction and physical activity. Pets provide other intangibles, too. “Dogs and cats live very much in the present,” says Dr. Jay P. Granat, a New Jersey-based psychotherapist. “They don’t worry about tomorrow, which can be a very scary concept for an older person. An animal embodies that sense of here and now, and it tends to rub off on people.” Pets can also have an astounding effect on symptoms of depression and feelings of loneliness. “Older pet owners have often told us how incredibly barren and lonely their lives were without their pets’ companionship, even when there were some downsides to owning an active pet,” says Linda Anderson, who founded the Angel Animals Network in Minneapolis…

Experiment and Have Fun: Memoir Writing Prompts for Older Adults Sometimes, the best way to get started writing your life story is to stop trying. Think of the writing process itself as a playground, and each of the prompts below is a new area in which to play and explore. Give these a try and let us know if you are interested in a memoir writing class. Email: AED@edmontonseniorscentre.ca Give yourself 10 minutes to brainstorm on these topics, then let loose your pen -- or keyboard, as the case may be. Can you recall your childhood best friend and some of the things you used to do together? Places you used to go? Ways you pulled your imaginations together?Close your eyes and take a tour back through some prominent places from your childhood: a…

Norma SpicerPrayer and Land AcknowledgementNorma Spicer has a passion for Métis history, culture and customs developed from hearing stories of her ancestors on her mother's side. A descendent of Jean Baptiste Lagimodière and Marie Anne Gaboury (the first white woman to settle in Western Canada) through their daughter Josepthe, Spicer's family history includes those who fought alongside Louis Riel during the Métis Resistance.Formerly with the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) in a variety of positions, Spicer remains a member of its Cultural Team, and conducts prayers and blessings for MNA events and ceremonies. Recently, she prepared a research paper on the Métis History of Fort Edmonton and Surrounding Areas for the Fort Edmonton Management Company and sits as a member of its Indigenous Expansion Committee. (Ananya)Stephen MandelKeynoteStephen Madel has held a taken part in…

What is Investment Fraud via Social Media? Social media gives us plentiful opportunities to connect to others and share content worldwide with ease. Con artists use these same social perks to promote fraudulent investment opportunities. Social media provides them with access to personal information to target potential investors and even create the illusion of a shared common interest. How Does Investment Fraud via Social Media Work? Using social media, fraudsters can contact many different people at a relatively low cost – they can create fake accounts, email addresses, and link their posts to a website, videos, or photos that make the investment look legitimate. The potential of anonymity on social media can also make it difficult to identify or find fraudsters using this medium to promote a scheme. If a scheme catches on in…

COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Available for Eligible Seniors.Starting October 6, Albertans age 75 and older and First Nations, Inuitand Métis people age 65 and older can begin booking for a third dose atleast six months after their second dose. In addition, third doses are available on-site for seniors living in congregate care.Read more...

Learn to protect yourself in Edmonton's winters with snow and ice. How: Walk Like a Penguin• Bend slightly and walk flat footed.• Point your feet out slightly like a penguin.• Keep your centre of gravity over your feetas much as possible.• Watch where you are stepping.• Take shorter, shuffle-like steps.• Keep your arms at your sides (not in yourpockets!).• Concentrate on keeping your balance.• Go S-L-O-W-L-Y.• Visit Alberta Health Services at: www.penguinwalk.ca